April-2010-English

"The Risen Christ is the way of life. With Christ, we have the power to be

renewed and to improve life", His Holiness Karekin II.

On April 4, the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ was celebrated in the spiritual headquarters of the Ar-menian Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. On the occasion of the Dominical Feast, His Holiness Karekin II, Su-preme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Holy Cathedral of Holy Descent. Surrounded by crosses and banners, the Ecclesiastical pro-cession, led His Holiness Karekin II processed to the Mother Cathedral for the commencement of the Easter Divine Lit-urgy. His Holiness was accompanied by Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia. The Pontifical Canopy Bearers were: Mr. Aris Atamian and Mr. Vasken Yacoubian, members of the Central Board of Di-rectors of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU); Mr. Levon Sargsyan, President of the "Pyunik" Benevolent Foundation; and Mr. Ara Babloyan, Deputy of the RA Na-tional Assembly. Continued on page 2

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTERAGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia

ISSUE 6, APRIL, 2010

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

On April 5, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Pat-riarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided over a Home Blessing service for the new Chancellery building of the Mother See, and a celebration in honor of the Benefac-tors, Mr. and Mrs. Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, of the United States, with the participa-tion of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) President Mr. Berge Setrakian.

The Pontiff of All Armeni-ans led Mr. and Mrs. Na-zarian and guests to the entrance of the Chancel-lery where an opening ce-remony was held. Children from the Etchmiadzin Yo-uth Center presented a short performance in the assembly room of the Chancellery. At the conclu-sion of the performance, Mr. Berge Setrakian intro-duced Mr. and Mrs. Na-zarian, stressing their con-tinuation of the 400-year-old Nazarian family tradi-

tion in supporting the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the Homeland and numerous communities in the Diaspora.

The Pontiff of All Armenians extended his blessings and appreciation to the honored be-nefactors, reflecting on the benevolent soul and devoted works of the Nazarian family. His Holiness stressed the importance of the newly built Chancellery, in the effective man-agement of the Mother See. Continued on page 2

IN THIS ISSUE

♦ New Chancellery building opened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (p. 1, 2)

♦ The feast of Holy Resurrec-tion of Christ in Holy Etchmi-adzin (p. 1, 2)

♦ AGBU presents scholarship certificates to the 23 best students of UFAR (p. 3)

♦ Dr. Bruce Boghosian appointed new president of AUA (p. 3)

♦ AGBU Yerevan YPs and Scouts lend a helping hand to children with leukemia (p. 4)

♦ Pan-YP environmental project in Khachik village (p. 4)

♦ Joint theatrical project of AGBU and RA Diaspora Ministry (p. 5)

♦ AGBU members and friends visited Tsitsernakabert (p. 5)

♦ AGBU AVC Founder and Chairman Yervant Zorian visits Armenia (p. 6)

♦ AGBU AVC participated in education expo (p. 6)

♦ Thank you for inspiration: A joint concert in Artsakh (p. 7)

♦ AGBU Yerevan Summer Intern Program - 2010 (p. 7

♦ Jubilee events in Aleppo (p.8)

NEW CHANCELLERY BUILDING OPENED IN THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

Celebration in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Nazar and Artemis Nazarian

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Celebration in honor of Nazar and Artemis Nazarian at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

AGBU Central Board members Vasken Yacoubian and Aris Atamian among the Pontifical Canopy Bearers

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6, APRIL, 2010

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST…

(see page 1) In his remarks His Holiness stated, "We are happy that we have devoted progeny of the Armenian nation who can dedicate and donate the benefits received from God to the na-tion, the Homeland and the Armenian Church. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and our national life prosper and flourish thanks to those children". His Holiness also expressed his appreciation to Mr. Armand A-vakian of the United States, Chief Architect of the building; to Mr. Gagik Galstian, President of the construction company "Ho-rizon-95"; and to the members of the board of the Architectural Department of the Mother See.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian expressed their heartfelt feelings to His Holiness and the guests in attendance. Present for the ceremony were His Eminence Archbishop Arsen Berberian, His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosian, His Grace Bishop Paren Avetikian, His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatrian, His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Members of the AGBU Central Board and the Armenian faithful.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmM9aWX_KBo

NEW CHANCELLERY BUILDING OPENED IN THE MOTHER SEE...

(see page 1) Assisting His Holiness during the celebration of the solemn Divine Liturgy were His Grace Bishop Arshak Khacha-trian, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and His Grace Bishop Anushavan Jamkochian, Dean of the Mother Ca-thedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan. In his Pontifical message to the Armenian nation, His Holiness announced the good tidings "Christ is Risen from the dead". His Holiness reflected on the mystery of the Glorious Resurrec-tion of our Lord Jesus Christ, encouraging the faithful to fear-lessly approach the Lord. His Holiness reflected on the present world and stated, "Often as well today, the temporary (material) goods of this life, are given priority over the eternal ones. And truly, there will never be peace, unfaltering prosperity and happiness wherever the good fight of faith is not being waged; wherever Barabbas is chosen over Christ". His Holiness stated in part, "It is necessary today as well to fight the good fight of faith, so that the worship of God, love and har-mony be steadfast in our lives; so that goodness is lasting; and our deeds are productive for the sake of our present and our future". The Pontiff of All Armenians exhorted, "Each individual in his sphere of service and his work, shall make progress with the saving Will of God and the divinely pleasing path of love for homeland. Let us remain faithful to the holy and righteous life of Christianity chosen by our pious forebears. In our families, in our personal relationships, and in the participation of our national life, let us keep bright the luminous lamp of faith". With good tidings of "Christ is Risen from the dead ", His Holiness extended His greetings to the Patriarchs of the hier-archal Sees of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and to all the clergy. His Holiness extended His Pontifical blessings and greetings to Mr. Serzh Sargsian, President of the Republic of Armenia, and to all the state officials, asking that Almighty God grant them blessings for the sake of the homeland and welfare of the nation all over the world. Present for the Easter Divine Liturgy were Mr. Hovik Abrahamian, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Ar-menia, Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of the Central Board of Directors of the AGBU, representatives of the National As-sembly and the Government, as well as members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, ambassadors and leaders of diploma-tic missions accredited in Armenia, representatives of international organizations, Armenian benefactors, and representa-tives from academia and the arts. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Pontiff of All Armenians hosted a reception in the Pontifical Residence during which he extended Pontifical blessings and best wishes to the guests in attendance.

AGBU Council of Trustees member Nazar Nazarian and his wife Artemis Nazarian cut the ribbon of the new Chancellery building

The new building of the Mother See Chancellery

RA state officials and AGBU delegation members at the feast of Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Holy Etchmiadzin

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The official ceremony of granting scholarship certificates to the 23 best students of the French University in Armenia (UFAR) by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) took place at the “Henry Cuny” hall of the French Univer-sity on April 5, 2010. This year the total amount of AGBU’s financial support to the University was 30,000 USD. AGBU and UFAR have been cooperating in a number of projects since 2004. Starting 2007, within the framework of this co-operation, AGBU has supported the University in covering the tuition expenses for a selected number of students. “I am very happy and proud to be in the French University in Armenia and get acquainted with its activities and stu-dents. Armenia is becoming a multi-cultural and educational center thanks to the American, French and Slavonic Univer-sities currently operating in Armenia, which come to comp-lete the whole educational system of Armenia: let’s not for-get that for any country and nation the state university is the foremost educational institution. I wish good luck to all the universities. I hope this cooperation goes on and I believe that UFAR will have its important role in the future of our country”, said President of AGBU Berge Setrakian. “This is a very important event for us. We are honoured to receive the AGBU delegation here in the University. AGBU is granting scholarship certificates to our best students. It also finances the summer internship of some of our stu-dents in Paris. Once again we are fortunate to enjoy the benevolence of this organization. I view this visit as an as-sessment of the work carried out by our university and the quality of education that our students receive here”, said Rector of UFAR Joëlle le Morzelec. The official ceremony was attended by AGBU President Berge Setrakian, AGBU Council of Trustees members Nazar Nazarian and Karnig Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian, Rector of the French University in Armenia Joëlle le Morzelec, other guests and officials. The ceremony was followed by a reception.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR_5H1KnJys

AGBU PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP CERTIFICATES TO 23 BEST STUDENTS OF THE FRENCH UNIVERSITY IN ARMENIA

AGBU President Berge Setrakian and Rector of UFAR Joëlle Le Morzelec hand out scholarship certificates to the UFAR students

DR. BRUCE BOGHOSIAN APPOINTED NEW PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA

The American University of Armenia (AUA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian as President of the University, effective late summer 2010. Dr. Boghosian is Professor and Chair of Mathematics at Tufts University. A distinguished scholar with numerous publications to his credit, he holds a B.S. degree in physics and an M.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Applied Science and Engineering

from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Boghosian has held visiting positions at the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, Pe-king University, University College London, University of Califor-nia, Berkeley, International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Tri-este, Schlumberger Cambridge Research Centre, University of California, Davis, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In announcing the appointment of Dr. Boghosian, AUA Board Chairman Dr. C. Judson King paid tribute to AUA’s current presi-dent Dr. Haroutune K. Armenian, who will retire this summer: “Dr. Haroutune Armenian has devoted thirteen heartfelt, energe-tic, and effective years as President of the American University of Armenia, from 1997 to 2010. During his tenure the University received initial accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, opened two new buildings, introduced new academic programs, and was instrumental in creation of the

Digital Library of Armenian Classical Literature. Dr. Armenian personally led development and implementation of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program, resulting in establishment of over one hundred businesses in the Shirak and Tavush regions of Armenia and in Artsakh. The Board is grateful both to Dr. Armenian and to his wife, Mrs. Sona Ar-menian, for their thirteen years of effective service to the University.” C. Judson King AUA Board Chair

Newly-appointed President of the AUA Dr. Bruce Boghosian

On April 10, the AGBU YP Yerevan members, headed by chairman Harutyun Poghossian, CARD Agribusiness Pro-jects Coordinator Anna Karapetian, and RA Nature Protection Ministry representative Vahagn Sargsyan, visited Kha-chik village of Vayots Dzor region of Armenia to implement Phase 1 of the Pan-YP Environmental project. In the de-solate area near the ancient church of the village, which is cur-rently being reconstructed, the AGBU YPs, CARD representa-tives and the villagers headed by village head Vachik Poghos-sian, planted 95 seedlings provided by the RA Nature Protection Ministry. The main goal of the project was to encourage local youth to become more environmentally conscious, take pride in their surroundings and use the Green Haven created with the help of YP Yerevan with financial assistance from over 10 other YP groups as a potential future source of income, to encourage them to remain in their home village. This is of utmost impor-tance as these villages are our outposts which help protect our homeland. The villagers thanked everyone behind this project expressing hope that such initiatives will be continuous. AGBU YPs, in their turn, promised to be faithful to their policy and de-termined in implementing their projects. Khachik village, situated several kilometers away from Nakhijevan and considered a vil-lage of strategic importance, is totally overlooked by the authori-ties. This is Phase One of this project. Phase Two will see benches, gazebos, play areas for children as well as a small area for warm and cold beverages created on a once abandoned and rubbish strewn patch of land.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GSRQe8_Gv8


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THE PAN-YP ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT IN KHACHIK VILLAGE

AGBU YEREVAN YPs AND SCOUTS LEND A HELPING HAND TO THE CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

Two youth structures of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, AGBU Young Professionals Yerevan team and the AGBU Yerevan Scouts, in partnership with “Grant Life” Foun-dation, organized a series of fundraising events to help chil-dren with leukaemia in the Republic of Armenia. The events aimed not only at raising public awareness about this dis-ease, but also at purchasing a centrifuge machine. A leukae-mia-diagnosed child cannot survive without blood transfu-sion, which is an obligatory therapy for haematological dis-eases, otherwise a patient dies within 2-3 months. The first event entitled “Children helping children” took place on March 29 at the “La Bouchon” restaurant in Yerevan, where an exhibition and sale of works of the Gyumri Nansen orphanage children and “Sevada” art studio students was organized. All the invited guests and ordinary bypassers had the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of these talented children and, by buying any of them, have their hum-ble contribution in helping children with leukaemia. The works were displayed in the restaurant until April 3.

The second fundraiser took place at “Giza” club in Yerevan on April 3 with the participation of AGBU Yerevan Scout Council member and winner of the “Hai Superstar-4” pan-Armenian project of Shant TV Raffi Ohanyan. AGBU President Berge Setrakian, AGBU Council of Trustees member Karnig Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian, Armenian-American writer Margaret Aje-mian-Ahnert, who were in Yerevan during this time, also par-ticipated in the event. Both events raised 3,026,000 AMD, which was doubled by anonymous AGBU donors. The total sum of 6,052,000 AMD will be used to buy essential medical equipment for the “Grant Life” Foundation. The organizers of the events extend their gratitude to all the participants and donors for assisting this initiative.

For the video material please visit: http://www.slaq.am/am/am/videos/568.htm

AGBU YPs setting up the computer room

“Children helping children” exhibition and sale of works at “La Bouchon” restaurant in Yerevan

AGBU YPs planting trees in Khachik village

AGBU President Berge Setrakian and AGBU Armenia youth structures and office representatives at “GIZA” club


AGBU MEMBERS AND FRIENDS VISITED TSITSERNAKABERT AND LAID A WREATH IN MEMORY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS On April 24, members of the Armenian General Benevo-lent Union Yerevan Scout movement, AGBU Young Pro-fessionals Yerevan team, AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Youth Center children and teachers, AGBU Armenia members, AGBU Armenian Representation staff visited Tsitsernakabert to pay tribute to the 1.5 million in-nocent victims of the Armenian Genocide and lay a wreath at the eternal fire to honor their memory. The group was headed by AGBU Armenian Representa-tion Director Ashot Ghazarian, AGBU Diaspora Youth Pro-jects Coordinator in Armenia Hermine Duzian, and mem-ber of the AGBU Southern California District Committee Haig Messerlian.

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AGBU AND RA DIASPORA MINISTRY JOINTLY ORGANIZED THEATER PERFORMANCES ON THE OCCASION OF THE

95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

From April 21-27, as part of the events dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, RA Diaspora Ministry and Armenian General Bene-volent Union (AGBU), with the financial assistance of AGBU, jointly organized four theater performances of Franz Werfel’s “40 days of Musa Dagh” (director Armen Elbakian) and Pertj Zeytountsian’s “All rise, the court is in ses-sion” (director Tigran Gasparian) at G. Soundoukian State Academic Theater of Yerevan. Before the presentation of “40 days of Musa Dagh” on April 23, the AGBU Ye-revan Scouts paid tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide with a candle-lighting ceremony at the lobby of the Soundoukian Theater. Be-fore entering the theater hall members of the audience lit a candle to honor the memory of the Genocide victims. The events were attended by First Lady Rita Sargsyan, RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hagopian, RA Ombudsman Armen Harutyunian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian, Heads of Foreign Diplomatic Mis-sions in Armenia, representatives of leading NGOs, intellectuals, AGBU Yere-van Young Professionals, AGBU Yerevan Scouts, AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Youth Center children and teachers, AGBU Armenia mem-bers, students of the Monte Melkonian Military College, Armenians of Musa Dagh descent, a lot of young people.

All four performan-ces passed in pac-ked halls with lasting standing ovations in the end. A total of 4000 people watched the performances during those four days. The AGBU-sponsored series of events not only helped raise the feeling of patriotism among the people and the youth especially, they also helped instill love of theater and establish a firm bond between the youth and the theater. In the past decade lack of young audience is felt not only in Soundoukian but in all the theaters of Arme-nia. On the other hand, the packed halls during these events were a good source of inspiration and enthusiasm for the actors and the theater staff, who spared no words to express their gratitude to the AGBU.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsinkrsU2rE

AGBU Yerevan Scouts hold a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of the Genocide victims

Passage from the “40 Days of Musa Dagh” performance

AGBU Armenia office and youth structures visit Tsitsernakabert


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AGBU AVC PARTICIPATED IN “TEACHING IN ARMENIA-2010” 9TH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EXPO

“Teaching in Armenia-2010” 9th international education exhibition organized by the RA Education and Science Min-istry and “Expo Service” organization took place in the lobby of the RA Government building #1 in Yerevan on April 21-23. 30 state and private higher educational institutions, educational establishments, local and international orga-nizations and centers implementing educational programs participated in the three-day exhibition. This education ex-po, as the RA Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan said, enables all educational establishments and organizations of Armenia to present their achievements in equal competitive conditions and to get acquainted with

the activities and experiences of the partners. This year about 7 new educational institutions participated in the exhibition, among them the Armenian General Bene-volent Union’s (AGBU) Armenian Virtual College (AVC), which started its Spring Term 2010 on April 5. The 9-week term offers the students courses in Eastern and Western Armenian, Armenian History and Introduction to Armenian Architecture in 6 languages: Armenian (Eastern and West-ern), Russian, English, French and Spanish. AVC’s mission is to provide learners around the world with an opportunity to receive full-fledged Armenian education, regardless of their age, country of residence or knowledge level. During almost a year of its activities the Armenian Virtual College has had more than 500 students.

For more information please visit www.avc-agbu.org, or contact: [email protected]

RA Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan (left) talking to AGBU AVC Academic Director Hasmik Khalapyan

and the AVC online teachers during the education expo

AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN DR. YERVANT ZORIAN VISITS ARMENIA

On April 8-23, member of the Central Board of Directors of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Founder and Chairman of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) Dr. Yervant Zorian visited Armenia. As part of the “Teaching in Armenia-2010” education expo, Mr. Zorian met with RA Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan. Issues related to the AVC accreditation and training of Diaspora-Armenian teachers at the AVC were dis-cussed during the meeting. After the adoption of the law on distance learning, currently the government of the Republic of Armenia is working on the mechanisms of the implementation of the law, which, as the RA Minister of Education assured, will be approved by September. During his visit Mr. Zorian also had a meeting with the Minis-ter of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranoush Hako-bian, who restated her readiness to assist the AVC in every possible way. As part of that cooperation the Diaspora Minis-try assumed the mission of informing the Armenian communi-ties and corresponding structures of the Diaspora, as well as regular and Sunday schools about the activities of the Arme-nian Virtual College. AGBU AVC Local Committee meeting, presided over by AVC Founder and Chairman Yervant Zorian, took place on April 22 with the participation of AVC Academic Director Hasmik Khalapyan, AVC Development Team Manager Artur Ava-kian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian, AGBU Armenian Representation Deputy Director Hovig Eordekian, vice rector of the French University in Armenia Arayik Navoyan, members of the committee Sam-vel Shoukourian, Varoujan Masarajian, Gevork Saryan, Ani Toranian, Taline Djeghelian, Jemma Israelian and Lusine Kassarjian. The general structure of AVC, the results and outcomes of the Winter Term - 2010, future activi-ties and development perspectives were the main issues discussed during the committee meeting. AGBU AVC has operated in Armenia for about a year. The main goal of the virtual college is to make Armenian edu-cation accessible to the Armenians spread around the world regardless of age and location. The lack of Armenian schools in the Diaspora today emphasizes the importance of the Armenian Virtual College.

For the video material please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSCAaOR_grE

AGBU AVC Founder and Chairman Yervant Zorian (left) met with RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobian and

RA Diaspora Deputy Minister Stepan Petrosian

www.avc-agbu.org

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AGBU YEREVAN SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM - 2010

Yerevan Summer Intern Program 2010Yerevan Summer Intern Program 2010Yerevan Summer Intern Program 2010 This summer, for the third year running, promising Armenian undergraduate and This summer, for the third year running, promising Armenian undergraduate and

graduate students from around the world will be selected to participate in a fivegraduate students from around the world will be selected to participate in a five--week week AGBU Yerevan Summer Intern ProgramAGBU Yerevan Summer Intern Program. While in Armenia, students will intern at While in Armenia, students will intern at

major companies and organizations, and participate in educational, cultural and social major companies and organizations, and participate in educational, cultural and social activities in both Armenia and Karabakh.activities in both Armenia and Karabakh.

Send in your application and join them

YSIP 2010 For applications and additional information please visit: www.agbu.org or write to [email protected]

THANK YOU FOR INSPIRATION: A JOINT CONCERT IN ARTSAKH A joint concert of prominent Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl and “Serenade” chamber section of the Armenian Sta-te Philharmonic Orchestra took place for the first time in Artsakh. It was a true feast of music for the art-loving soci-ety of Artsakh. The concert program included the works of Schnittke, Mozart, Komitas, Schtraus and other famous composers. Violinist Anush Nikoghossian’s tender and soulful solo performance left an unforgettable impression. In her speech NKR Culture Minister Narine Aghabalian said, “Thank you “Serenade” and thank you Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Artistic Director and General Conductor Maestro Eduard Top-chjan, for this wonderful evening. Special gratitude to Maestro Ernest Hoetzl for the beautiful moments of inspiration”. The evening was organized with the assis-tance of the RA Culture Ministry and thanks to the Ar-menian Philharmonic Orchestra. Words of gratitude we-re also addressed to the Armenian General Benevolent Union for the lasting financial assistance to the Arme-nian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Artsakh Chamber Orchestra. Narine Aghabalian also reminded everyone that the Artsakh state anthem played on different occa-sions is performed by the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, for which Maestro Topchian was awarded a medal and a letter of acknowledgement by the NKR Culture Ministry. The guests stayed in Artsakh for two days only but managed to visit the Gandzasar monas-tery. Hoetzl was impressed by the nature and the historical-cultural monuments of Artsakh. “Every time I traveled to Yerevan, I also wanted to visit Karabakh, but couldn’t do it until now. I love your country. I love mountains and there are a lot of mountains in your country. I had heard about the beauty of the nature in Karabakh and the history of the heroic people living here. Now I know the beauty of your country. We managed to visit the ancient Gandzasar and I am deeply impressed”, said Maestro Hoetzl and expressed hope that he will visit Karabakh again one day. “We had this idea of performing in Artsakh for a long time, I considered it my duty, but couldn’t realize it because of the size of the orchestra”, said Maestro Topchjan. He thanked the RA and NKR Culture Ministers for organizing the concert, and the RA First Lady Mrs. Rita Sargsyan for her constant support to the orchestra. “This time we came with a re-duced staff, but I hope we can do something until summer, maybe build a special open-air stage, so that the whole orchestra can come to Artsakh and give a concert”, said Topchjan.

The joint concert of Maestro Ernest Hoetzl and “Serenade” chamber section of the Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra in Artsakh

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Please be advised that in the event of any full or partial reference or citation of the texts above AGBU Armenia Newsletter must be mentioned. All rights reserved.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.


PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION Page 8

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

On April 11, members and friends of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Aleppo chapter of the AGBU. The jubilee events, organized by the Aleppo chapter with the sponsorship of AGBU District Committee of Syria, were presided over by AGBU Council of Trustees member Karnig Yacoubian and his wife. The centennial celebrations started with a requiem ceremony honouring all the deceased of the Union at St. Gevork church, which was attended by the guest of honour, members of the AGBU District Committee of Syria and other committees of the Union, representatives of the Damascus, Latakia, Kamishli, Kessab and Yakoubie chapters, members of the Aleppo AYA Scout movement, other guests. After the church ceremony they headed to the AGBU Calouste Gulbenkian Center for the opening ceremony of the 100th an-niversary memorial with the participation of the Primate of the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Head of the Armenian Catholic community of Aleppo Archbishop Bedros Miriatian, and Head of the Armenian Evangelic Church of Syria Harutyun Selimian. A welcoming speech was

delivered by Varujan Tenekejian. The memorial opening was done by Karnig Yacoubian. The main jubilee event took place in the AGBU Nazarian Hall with the participation of AGBU Central Board member Dr. Yervant Zorian as a guest speaker. AYA “Komitas” chamber orchestra (artistic director Hovhaness Mou-bayed) and “Andranik” dance ensemble (artistic director Ashot Sarg-syan) performed during the event. The screening of “AGBU in Aleppo” video prepared by Tamar Khaba-yan and Shahan Jebejian was also organized as part of the jubilee events. Dr. Yervant Zorian’s speech was accompanied by a photo presenta-tion about the centennial activities of AGBU and especially the AGBU Aleppo chapter. AGBU Council of Trustees member Karnig Yacoubian and Chairman of the AGBU District Committee of Syria Nerses Nersoyan presented AGBU Aleppo chapter members with awards for their lasting activities and contribution.

After the award ceremony AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian read the congratulatory message of the AGBU President Berge Setrakian. RA Consul General to Aleppo Ashot Manoukian read the congratulatory message of RA Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobian. The event closed with the standing performance of the AGBU anthem. In the evening of the same day a dinner was served in the “Dvin” hall of the AGBU C. Gulbenkian Center.

JUBILEE EVENTS IN ALEPPO AGBU Aleppo Chapter celebrates the 100th anniversary of its activities

Celebrating the centennial activities of AGBU Aleppo chapter

Awarding the AGBU Aleppo chapter veterans

Documents

April-2010-English